Embattled JLP MP George Wright Resigns From Party

June 4, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

As the dust has begun to settle and the noise about George Wright, MP for Central Westmoreland has begun to be seen in the rear view mirror, we were told today that the MP has resigned from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), but not as a MP.

General Secretary

The announcement was made today by Dr. Horace Chang, General Secretary of the JLP.

Independent

Under Jamaica’s Constitution it does not recognize politcal parties, so George Wright can sit as an Independent Member of Parliament (IMP). As an Independent he is entitled to all the benefits of any other party members whether PNP or JLP.

Leave Of Absence

George Wright has been embroiled in a controversy regarding a video in which he is suspected as having beaten a female. He applied for and was granted a leave of absence from Parliament. The police investigated the allegation and found no evidence to lay a successful prosecution. They have since closed their files on the matter.

No Evidence

Despite this lack of evidence political hacks and womens’s groups mainly from the PNP have been calling on the MP to resign. There is no legal basis to do so and the JLP cannot dismiss him either.

Reactions

One of his constituents sent Vision Newspaper this written response. She is Beverley, a retired Teacher of about 69 years old who lives in Westmoreland. We present here, her response verbatim.

“The MP and member of the JLP has made the right and honourable decision to resign from the party. However it still caused a dent in the running of the constituency. That’s my opinion; I could be wrong.”

A constituent reacting to Wright’s resignation from the JLP.

The Gen. Secretary Dr. H. Chang of the JLP said inter alia:

“The party accepts Wright’s resignation. We will have to access the impact to the party”

Dr. Angela Brown Burke is insisting wright should resign she said inter alia:

“I am of the view he should still be asked to resign. House rules should be changed”

That was the full extent of the PNP MP’s reaction.

Commentary

We are disappointed at PNP MP Brown Burke’s response. It smacks at hypocrisy. She is an educated former teacher and she is aware of House rules.

George Wright has acted responsibly and we wish him all the success in his new role as an Independent MP. We think he was treated poorly. We will say no more.

Poor Comparison

George Wright’s problems cannot be compared to Dr. Dayton Campbell’s.  It is like comparing apples to tomatoes. George Wright is not accused of or could potentially be charged criminally, as there is no credible evidence to lay any such charge (s) against him.

Leave George Wright’s name alone. Wright has conducted himself with dignity in the face of false allegations and mischief. Wright has 17 more days left before his leave of absence expires. We will have to wait and see what he does then.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has a keen interest in decency, fairplay and probity in public life.

Please Note : The views expressed in this article is that of the writer and is not  necessarily that of Vision Newspaper Canada.